KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
While acting on High Court directive to wind up the complexes lacking the basement parking facilities, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has sealed shopping complex of the head of Peoples Conference leader and Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Sajjad Lone.
Lone owned a complex at Sanantnagar locality adjacent to his residence owned by his two sons, Emad and Adnan.
“These were the high court orders and whatever they say we have to oblige,” Manzoor Ahmad Taray, SMC’s enforcement officer told Kashmir Life. On question whether the municipal body will demolish any structure, the official said that it is contingent upon the court orders. “If they tell us, we will do it.”
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court last week directed sealing of all those shopping malls and complexes in Srinagar city that lack basement parking. The shoppers park their vehicles on the roads near resulting in traffic snarls. Pertinently, traffic situation has been worsening across Srinagar city with the authorities facing ire from both public and media.
The Division Bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court comprising Justice MH Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey had directed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to initiate action against these shopping mall owners which includes demolition of these buildings.
Around 47 shopping malls had not maintained car parking facility in Srinagar city as was necessary as per the building permission granted to them by the SMC. However, SMC had issued notices to owners of these shopping malls and complexes to remove the deviations and provide car parking facilities.
Sixteen shopping malls and complexes provided car parking while 31 didn’t respond to the SMC notice. After Court directions, 15 shopping malls and complexes have been sealed and 3 more are being sealed tomorrow.
The other 13 shopping malls have started constructing underground parking and SMC has decided not to seal them and has already informed the court.
